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Anorexia-Adult

Definition

Anorexia is an
eating disorder
. It occurs when a person's obsession with diet and exercise leads to extreme weight loss. The disorder is considered if a person refuses to maintain a body weight at or above 85% of their ideal body weight. It can be fatal.

Causes

The cause of anorexia is not known. It appears that genetics and environment play a role.

Risk Factors

Anorexia is more common in women. Factors that increase your risk for anorexia include:

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to get you return you to a healthy weight and to help you maintain that weight. A healthy weight is above 85% of your ideal weight. To achieve this, your intake of calories is gradually increased. This can be accomplished through a number of interventions, including the following:

Nutritional Consultation

A dietitian may be consulted to help you learn more about the components of a healthy diet. The dietitian will also talk to you about reasonable weight goals and calorie goals.

Therapy

Therapy can help address harmful thought patterns, improve eating behavior, and increase self-esteem. There are many different types of therapy. Work with your doctor and therapists to determine which therapy may be best for you. You may use more than one therapy or try different therapies before you find one that works best for you. Some therapy options include:

Cognitive behavioral therapists
—To help you develop a healthier and more realistic self-image. The therapist will help you find new ways to think about your body and your diet.

Family therapy—Families often play a role in eating disorders. Many people cannot recover unless their families are involved in the changes. All families need to understand the disorder to provide the appropriate support.

Antidepressants

In some cases, people with anorexia benefit from a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. In particular, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
are used. Used alone, antidepressant therapy is not an effective treatment for anorexia.

Prevention

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.